PC Musthafa’s early life was marked by financial hardship, with his family surviving on approximately Rs 10 per day. His father worked as a coolie on a coffee plantation in Wayanad, Kerala, and his mother had not received any formal education. The family struggled to make ends meet, which put significant pressure on Musthafa, the eldest child, leading him to leave school after failing Class 6 to support his family.

However, his journey took a positive turn when an attentive teacher intervened. This educator recognised the potential in children who had dropped out of school and discovered Musthafa working in the plantation. Understanding that financial difficulties rather than a lack of interest in education were the real barriers, she persuaded his parents to let him return to school. She even provided the necessary funds for his books, enabling Musthafa to continue his education.

Upon returning to school, Musthafa excelled academically, eventually securing a place in the engineering programme at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut. He later pursued an MBA at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, setting the foundation for his future career.

Professional Experience and Entrepreneurial Ventures

After completing his education, Musthafa took on the role of a software engineer and worked in various jobs abroad. However, in 2005, he made the decision to return to Bengaluru with a vision of establishing his own business. This marked the beginning of iD Fresh Food, which he co-founded with his cousins, Abdul Nazer, Shamsudeen TK, Jafar TK, and Noushad TA.

The initial phase of the company was launched from a modest 50 square foot kitchen in Bengaluru, where they began producing fresh idli and dosa batter. The underlying concept was straightforward: to provide convenient access to fresh batter for urban households. This idea resonated well with consumers and laid the groundwork for future growth.

As demand increased, the company expanded its product range and began offering various ready-to-cook items, including parotas, paneer, curd, chutneys, sambar, and filter coffee. iD Fresh Food has since made significant strides into both domestic and international markets, catering to regions such as the UAE, UK, US, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Ireland, and Singapore.

Company Growth and Financial Success

The financial trajectory of iD Fresh Food has been remarkable. In Fiscal Year 2025, the company’s revenue from operations saw a 22 per cent increase, reaching Rs 681.38 crore compared to Rs 557.85 crore in the previous year. Furthermore, they reported a net profit of Rs 50.75 crore, which included a one-time deferred tax credit of Rs 24.89 crore; without this, the underlying profit stood at approximately Rs 26 crore.

What started as a small venture between cousins making batter in a kitchen has transformed into a prominent fresh-food brand in India. The company traces its origins back to its first sale in 2006, followed by significant expansions in manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

Musthafa’s story exemplifies not only personal success but also the positive impact on others. By establishing a company that has created job opportunities for people from rural India, he has come full circle from his humble beginnings. His journey underscores the value of second chances in education and the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s goals.

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